Everyone should oppose raising the Medicare age

[GenuineRisk]

Although they haven't yet stated a public position, this article explores why it's likely private insurance companies will oppose attempts to raise the Medicare eligibility age:

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2...ge.php?ref=fpa

It's a terrible, terrible idea, as it doesn't save much money and will immediately increase the cost of healthcare premiums for all of us, as insurance companies work to make up the cost of having to take on 65-67 year olds, most of whom are likely to be money-losing customers for the insurance companies, as virtually all of them need health care/prescription drugs of some kind or another (insurance companies only make money when they don't actually have to pay for what you bought insurance for). Those additional costs will be passed on to the rest of us in the form of higher premiums.

Not to mention, it will make private businesses that provide health insurance even more likely than they are now to lay off older workers, so as to keep their own health care costs down.

Unless, of course, the intent is to get the Baby Boomers to die off more quickly. As the elderly are more likely to vote GOP than younger voters, this does seem like shooting oneself in the foot. I really can't figure out the GOP's reasoning for it; it seems like a bad idea from every angle.

I don't know if this idea will get serious play, but if it does, it's one that's worth a call to your Congresscritter.